Guardian Girls Aikido Inspires Women in Tokyo

KIF Japan (Koyamada International Foundation Japan) and TELL Japan successfully launched the special event "Changing Focus from Myth to Reality: Addressing the Issue of Sexual Violence in Japan," followed by the "Guardian Girls Aikido" Seminar at Seisen International School in Tokyo. This event, which benefitted both Japanese and foreign women living in Tokyo, was held in collaboration with the Aikikai Foundation, International Aikido Federation (IAF), and Guardian Girls International (GGI).

Royanne Doi, Executive Director of TELL Japan, welcomed distinguished guests from the Japanese government, embassies, women’s organizations, business corporations, and sports-related organizations.

We were honored to have two exceptional speakers: Ms. Machiko Osawa, Professor Emeritus and Director of Research at the Research Institute for Women and Careers, and Ms. Naoko Kanatani from the Sexual Assault Relief Center Tokyo (SARC).

Following the speakers' remarks, the Guardian Girls Aikido Seminar took place, featuring over 40 diverse Japanese and foreign women in a one-hour session.

The seminar was led by GG Aikido Chief Instructor Ms. Miyuki Kumazawa, a 6th Dan Black Belt, along with two other female Aikido assistant instructors. The participants, many of whom had no prior Aikido training, were enthusiastic and thrilled with the experience.

The event received additional support from several organizations, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Women in Business Committee, Women In Law Japan (WILJ), and the Association of Women in Finance.

Other supporters included the Nippon Forensic Human Center, National Association of Directors of Mental Health Centers, Japanese Society of Transcultural Psychiatry, Bloomberg Japan, and KKR.